MONTHLY SHAKEDOWN

MOUTON TO ENTER PPIHC HALL OF FAME IN JUNE


The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is honored to welcome Michèle Mouton into its Hall of Fame, acknowledging her enduring legacy and her significant contribution to the history of the Race to the Clouds.


Michèle Mouton’s name is synonymous with courage, skill, and groundbreaking success in motorsport. Her 1985 overall victory on the iconic mountain stands as a testament to her extraordinary talent and unwavering determination. Driving an Audi Sport Quattro, she not only won the event but set a new course record, 11:25.39, a feat that solidified her place in the history of this iconic motorsports event.

PPIHC EXHIBIT INSTALLED AT COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT

If you're traveling through the Colorado Springs Airport, you're likely to spot unique themed branding throughout the terminal.


Visitors can also view a PPIHC exhibit featuring a variety of race artifacts and images. The items will be on display through the month of June.

PPIHC TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE!


Whether you want to camp out the night before the race and watch the sunrise on America's Mountain, or you're looking to grab a group of friends and head up to Glen Cove or Devils Playground on the new Fan Bus, there's a ticket for you!


Join us on Race Day, June 22, 2025.

EXPLORE ALL TICKET AND CAMPING OPTIONS

EXCLUSIVE PPIHC VIP

TRAVEL EXPERIENCE


Offered by Sports and Travel Entertainment (SET), this highly sought-after package sells out every year.


Stay at The Broadmoor, enjoy escorted race week tours and behind-the-scenes adventures.


Perfect for anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind experience.

BOOK A VIP TRAVEL PACKAGE

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has been nominated for Best Motorsports Raceas part of USA TODAY 10BEST’s Readers’ Choice Awards.


Cast your vote for the PPIHC once daily through Monday, April 28.


The top 10 winners, as ranked by USA TODAY 10BEST readers, will be announced on May 7. See all nominations HERE.

VOTE FOR PPIHC

MEET THE 2025 COMPETITORS


Drivers from across the nation and around the world have been invited to the 103rd Running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo.


See which competitors will participate in the 2025 Race to the Clouds, including the exciting new GT4 division entries!

VIEW 2025 COMPETITOR LIST

FRAMEABLE MOMENTS WITH

LARRY CHEN

Shooting Pikes Peak every year we always try and find new angles. I really enjoyed this one I found of a nice S turn coming into Brown Bush. By shooting it vertical, it gives you a good sense of motion the drivers go through coming up the mountain."

Jason Zindroski

________________________


Photo: PPIHC rookie, Jim Hall II, in an early morning practice session in his 2019 Porsche 991.2 Cup GT3, makes his way through a section of the 12.42 course in June, 2024. It's a fitting image to showcase this year's race theme - the renowned 156 Turns to Glory as we approach the 103rd Running of the Race to the Clouds. Larry Chen Photo

EXPLORING HISTORY

VINTAGE PPIHC

CHEVY SPEEDSTER


The PPIHC recently acquired the 1922 Chevrolet Speedster that competed on the mountain that same year.


The #19 car, driven by Roy W. Beavers, placed 7th, with a time of 23:03.40. However, some accounts show the car as a third place finisher, implying there may be have been different classes in 1922. 



The car returned for an exhibition run on Pikes Peak during the 70th anniversary on July 4, 1992. Keith Young, who owned the car at the time, was behind the wheel.


And, here's your chance to see this vintage race car in person:


May 17

Mash Mechanix

Spring Car Show - 10:30-2:30

429 E Pikes Peak Avenue in Colorado Springs


Plan to be there for the Hill Climb Hero Beer launch, too!

OFFICIAL PPIHC MERCHANDISE



Making your summer road trip plans? Grab this hot RTIC Road Trip Tumbler sporting the PPIHC logo. It's also great for the daily commute, and any outdoor sporting activity.


We’re rolling out new merch all the time, so check back often and order your favorites before race day!




Browse all PPIHC Merch from hats and beanies to a variety of t-shirts both long and short sleeved, jackets, flannels, even commemorative coins and decals.


And back, by popular demand, our irresistible, plush Yellow-Bellied Marmot! (Don't worry, he's quiet, won't track in dirt, and doesn't require feeding!)

ORDER OFFICIAL PPIHC MERCH

MEET THE BOARD MEMBER

Bob Gillis

Board Director Emeritus


Bob Gillis was one of the early advocates of the Colorado Hill Climb Association (CHCA). His enthusiasm for motorsports eventually fueled his passion for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb.


Gillis has served as a board member for more than 20 years, but his affiliation with the Race to the Clouds spans almost 50 years. From securing major sponsorship to guiding the event through some uncertain financial times, he was a problem solver and an advocate for both competitors and the organization.


Gillis has become one of the most knowledgeable auto industry professionals in the Colorado Springs community. As such, he was inducted to the PPIHC Hall of Fame in 2022 as part of the celebration of the 100th Running.


Asked about favorite memories from his decades on the mountain, Gillis shared, "BFGoodrich bringing in the rally division, with Rod Millen and John Buffum, is certainly one. Then, BFGoodrich helping to get Ivan Stewart and the stadium trucks here. Of course, Courtland Michaels with Hankook Tire brought Paul Walker of Fast & Furious fame to the mountain to drive the pace car!


"From local competitors, like Larry Carnes who set a new class record in his winning stock car on BFGoodrich tires in 1978, to making lifelong friends with the Overholsers and so many more, Pikes Peak has given me a lifetime of memories."

WHAT WE'RE CELEBRATING

APRIL BIRTHDAYS

4/8 Jeremy Lowder

2-Time PPIHC Competitor, 2025 Unlimited Division


4/10 Paul Gerrard

7-Time PPIHC Competitor, Top Gear's 'Stig', Author


4/10 Patrick Culligan

PPIHC Rookie


4/18 Tyler Pappas

3-Time Competitor, Alcon Brake 'No Holding Back' Award Winner, 2023


4/25 Jimmy Ford

4-Time Competitor, Fast 15 in 2023, 2024


4/27 Ari Vatanen

1988 King of the Mountain

Fastest time of the 1980s, subject of Climb Dance film

2025 FORMULA DRIFT HALL OF FAME

WELCOMES LARRY CHEN

Congratulations Larry Chen on your 2025 Hall of Fame Induction! Larry is the first non-driver to be honored in the Formula Drift Hall of Fame and was celebrated at April's Long Beach event.

TRIVIA

Q: Where did the name Halfway Picnic Grounds come from?


(Keep reading to find the answer!)

IN OTHER RACING NEWS

PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

The racing season is underway at PPIR! From track attack, to drifting clinics, to ladies only events, and a variety of themed motorsport festivals, there is something for everyone.


Check out the not-so-springtime weather at PPIR's recent Spring Fling.


And the Summer of Smoke Burnout series continues with Round #2 on May 10.

COLORADO HILL CLIMB ASSOC.


With the first event of the season right around the corner, drivers and crews are prepping for racing action. The first race for CHCA takes place in mid-May in Rangely, Colorado. Find out how you can compete or catch the action.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY!

ROCKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANG ROUND UP - JUNE 13

Here is your chance to be a part of the 37th annual Rocky Mountain Mustang Round Up during the Autocross event at PPIR. Volunteers will work in pairs or groups of three helping with course set up and on the grid. Lunch will be provided. Inquire HERE if interested.

INAUGURAL ROCKY MOUNTAIN VINTAGE RALLY ADDS PIONEER CLASS FOR SEPTEMBER EVENT

Starting and ending in Colorado Springs, in the shadow of Pikes Peak - America's Mountain, the first Rocky Mountain Vintage Rally kicks off in September. The rally is billed as European endurance racing on American soil.


A new Pioneer class was recently added to the event allowing any car or truck to enter this non-competitive version of the event. Get a taste of what TSD rallying is all about.

NEW - ROCKY MOUNTAIN HILLCLIMB SERIES

A new, Colorado-based racing series is coming at you. Introducing the Rocky Mountain Hillclimb Series featuring competition on both asphalt courses and dirt roads throughout the Rocky Mountain region. The 2025 schedule will be revealed soon!


If you're interested in being a part of our inaugural season, we're currently seeking experienced personnel for the following:

  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Technical Director
  • Safety Director
  • Plus, eager event volunteers!


Email RockyMtnHillclimb@gmail.com for more information.

READY TO LAUNCH

The Colorado Springs Sports Corporation is pleased to announce the dates for one of our most popular partner events, the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off.

BUY TICKETS - LABOR DAY LIFT OFF

ICYMI

Celebrating Michèle Mouton's

PPIHC Hall of Fame Induction

Mouton - 2025 PPIHC Hall of Fame Announcement

TRIVIA ANSWER:


Halfway Picnic Grounds was named to mark the site where early visitors to the mountain, traveling on horseback, stopped to picnic. It marks the spot halfway between the toll gate, or Gateway as it is now known, and the summit. It is located at mile marker 10 on the twenty mile road.

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Photo credits: Larry Chen Photo: Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Payton Smith, Louis Yio, Charles Zhao, Jason Zindroski. FormulaD.com, Cecília Veréb, Styled Aesthetics, PPIHC Archives

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